Â鶹ÊÓƵ

The leaders of the region's seven local authorities of Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland, have joined North East Mayor Kim McGuinness in issuing a joint statement to reassure the public that plans are in place to keep communities safe, and that the North East remains open for business ahead of planned demonstrations at the weekend.  

Regional leaders have welcomed the outpouring of positive community spirit across the region in the face of more potential disorder. The Mayor and local leaders have also issued a call to people in the region to follow official guidance, not to share misinformation online, and for calm and common sense to prevail. 

They said: "We were all shocked and saddened by last week's tragic events in Southport and we share in the pain that has been felt across the country about the senseless loss of young lives and the injuries that were caused.  

"However, the actions of a small number of people who, incited by far-right agitators online, have used this horrific incident as an excuse to incite violence within our communities is entirely unacceptable.   

"Thankfully, we saw our region at its very best this week when fears over potential riots made way for scenes of love and unity as our communities came together to stand up and make it clear that hate has no place in the North East. It gave us all an enormous sense of pride to see our region take responsibility and show solidarity with our neighbours.   

"While the pictures from Wednesday's peaceful counter demonstrations were truly a sight to behold, we cannot afford to be complacent with further protests planned across some parts of the region this weekend. We will continue to work with our communities, our region's police forces and partners to maintain the peace and keep things calm. A robust policing presence has been prepared, officer leave has been cancelled and resources redeployed to ensure officers are out and visible in our communities to keep you safe.  

"Everyone has a part to play in ensuring calm and peace prevail. In the build up to Wednesday's anticipated protests, social media and places of work were awash with rumour and misinformation, which prompted further fear and anxiety in our communities. We are asking everyone to use their common sense, not to share unfounded rumours, and follow the information and guidance which is being shared through officials channels.  

"We live in a proud region made up of diverse communities with a hard-earned reputation for being a friendly and welcoming part of the country. We reiterate our thanks to our police forces for keeping our neighbourhoods and businesses safe, and to our communities and partners for their continued efforts to bring people together.   

"We are united and determined that the actions of a minority will not stand in the way of people going about their daily lives. The North East is open for business this weekend to shoppers, visitors and people enjoying what our region has to offer.  Our region is defined by proud, loving and friendly people, thriving businesses and culture, and our beautiful places. That is the region we represent and that is the story we will tell to the world.  

"While Wednesday passed largely without incident, there are individuals going through the justice system whose remorse has resulted in no leniency on the sentences passed. Our message is clear: if you engage in rioting and bring disorder to our streets, you will face the full consequences through our justice system."  

Kim McGuinness - North East Mayor  

Cllr Amanda Hopgood - Leader of Durham County Council  

Cllr Martin Gannon - Leader of Gateshead Council  

Cllr Nick Kemp - Leader of Newcastle City Council  

Dame Norma Redfearn - Mayor of North Tyneside  

Cllr Glen Sanderson - Leader of Northumberland County Council  

Cllr Tracey Dixon - Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ   

Cllr Michael Mordey - Leader of Sunderland City Council